Utilities & Energy Services

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Utilities & Energy Services (UES) is continuously upgrading to provide safe, reliable, environmentally compliant, cost-effective energy and other utilities to support campus. These services are provided by Abbott Power Plant, the Campus Chilled Water System (CCWS), a network of steam and electrical systems, natural gas transmission pipelines, and sanitary and storm sewers.

Funding from campus, student fees, and energy conservation grants allow the university to integrate new technologies and streamline the processes of this $100M per year utility enterprise.
Since FY08, the university has reduced energy use per square foot by 33%, exceeding the goals of the Illinois Climate Action Plan.

The Energy Conservation Incentive Program, encourages energy conservation through behavioral change and building improvements, rewarding facilities with funding for building improvements.

The Energy Management Systems (EMS) Controls department includes Direct Digital Control (DDC) Programmers, DDC Electricians, and Temperature Control Mechanics. A significant effort is underway to update existing control systems to improve building comfort and energy efficiency.

UES’ Business Operations is responsible for tracking the metering, billing, and reporting of campus’ energy usage. Administrative units receive real-time energy consumption and cost information through the Energy Billing System.